SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)--The Springfield Fire Department honored one of their own with a retirement celebration. Friday was Stephen Balboni's last day working as a part of the Springfield Fire Department Repair Division. He had been a part of the service with the department for 38 years, all as part of the repair division. He said when he first started, the repair shop was in need of some help itself, but he worked to advocate for his colleagues. MassDOT to receive $1.7 million to build wildlife bridge over Mass. Pike "I always fought for my guys in the shop here," said Balboni. "Being able to get equipment for them to work with, things easier for them, so, I will miss them." Balboni said when you have been with the department, it is more like a family and even though he will still be living in the area, he will miss all of the other members of the department. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno attended the ceremony with a proclamation announcing January 3, 2025, as Stephen Balboni Day, with the help of Balboni's grandson Parker. After almost four decades in the repair division, Balboni believes he is leaving the division better and safer than when he started. He also said of the gathering, it was nice to know that other people cared and appreciated the work he did.